Free Pet Adoptions: Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter are holding a three day adopt-a-thon where all dog and cat adoptions are free. Standard adoption process applies. All the pets have been vaccinated (except for rabies), microchipped and spayed or neutered. Adoptions include a certificate for a free health exam at a local vet, pet related coupons and a pet bed. First year license is free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 7-9. 1590 Fortmann Way, Alameda. 510-337-8565, www.AlamedaAnimalShelter.org.

"Home for the Holidays" adoption event: Kittens, cats, dogs, puppies, bunnies and other animals will be available for adoption ($20 adoption fee) from 1-5 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Hayward Animal Shelter, 16 Barnes Court. Shelter volunteers will also have a bake sale, raffle prizes and a Christmas gift for each adopted pet. 510-293-7200.

Maine Coon Cat Adoption Fair: Maine coon-mix cats as well as short-and medium-haired cats and kittens will be available for adoption from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 8-9, at Wild Birds Unlimited, 692 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Adopters must be approved in advance. For an application, visit www.mainecoonadoptions.com.

Pet Photo Night: Bring your furry friends on a leash or in a carrying case and have their picture taken with Santa Claus. Purrfect Cat Rescue will also be there with cats available for adoption. 4 p.m.-closing, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17. NewPark Mall, Newark.

Adopt a small animal: Chinchillas, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rabbits and rats from North Star Rescue, Contra Costa Rabbit Rescue and Antioch City Shelter will be available for adoption from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, through Jan. 26, at Pet Food Express, 609 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville. Free nail trims for small animals available too. To see currently available animals, visit www.northstarrescue.org.

New Year's Day Butterfly Walks: Start the new year off with a visit to a monarch butterfly overwintering site. Use spotting scopes for a close-up look and learn how they survive the long cold season in eucalyptus trees. 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Jan. 1. Meet at the Granary. Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont. 510-544-2797, www.ebparks.org.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side: Grab a snack and some water and take a walk-up Wildcat Peak. For ages 8 and older. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Jan. 5. Tilden Nature Area, Berkeley. 510-544-2233, tnarea@ebparks.org.

V-I-Peek programs: New programs at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum offer a behind-the-scenes opportunity to see what it's like to work with their unique collection of animals. Eagle Encounter: Learn from eagle handlers what it's like to work with these birds, help prepare a meal and get premium seating for the exhibit hall presentation of Raptors! Keeper Experience: Meet resident animal ambassadors (reptile, bird and mammal) up close and personal and help animal keepers prepare meals, create enrichment activities and assist with a public presentation. Space is limited. Participants must be 10 years or older and advanced registration is required. $175 per person; $150 members. $275 per guardian/child combination; $250 members. 925-935-1978, www.wildlife-museum.org.

SOUTH BAY

Fishing in the City: Learn to fish clinics teach the basics of fishing to children and adolescents ages 5-15. Equipment and tackle are provided. There is no charge for the clinics but there may be a park entrance fee. Each adult may bring two children; a driver's license is required for a rod loan. For information, email erotman@dfg.ca.gov.

Dog Adoption Showcase: Pet and play with dogs of all sizes and breeds and get "insiders information" from foster parents who are currently taking care of them in their homes. Noon-2 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 29. Humane Society Silicon Valley, 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas. 408-262-2133, ext. 150. See available dogs at www.hssv.org.

Dog Book Reading Club: Do you love dogs? Want to learn more about their behavior, training, learning, body language, and using positive training methods? The Humane Society Silicon Valley Dog Book Reading Club meets from 2-4 p.m. fourth Sundays monthly to discuss a different book. 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas. Free. 408-262-2133, www.hssv.org.

Pet Loss Support Group: This group is for anyone who has experienced the loss of a pet or anticipates one. 6:30-7:30 p.m. first Tuesdays monthly, through Dec. 4. Humane Society Silicon Valley, 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas. Free. 408-262-2133, ext. 178, www.hssv.org.

Puppy Socials: Got a new puppy under 6 months? Bring him or her to the K9 Scrub Club for fun and socialization, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, through Jan. 29. 1734 Church St., San Francisco. Free. 415-648-2582, http://k9scrubclub.com/san-francisco-store/events/puppy-social-9.html.

Santa Paws Is Coming To Town: Santa Claus will pose for photos with four-legged friends and their families from 2-4 p.m. Dec. 8-9, at Prescott Hotel, 545 Post St. Bring your iPhone and digital camera to capture your pet's holiday moment. Treats and refreshments will be available for both humans and animals. A suggested donation of $10 benefits the San Francisco SPCA. 415-672-2950.

12 Days of Winter Play: Treat your dog to a special 12 day camp featuring holiday themes and activities. Sign up for one day or the entire event. 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 10-18. Wag Hotel, 25 14th St. $7 with purchase of All Day Play. 415-876-0700, http://waghotels.com/winter-camp.cfm.

SOUTH BAY

Silicon Valley animal shelters are launching "Shelters First,' a program to encourage Santa Clara County households to adopt from shelters. In December the adoption fee on all adult animals is $12. Animals can be adopted immediately at Humane Society Silicon Valley, Santa Clara County Animal Shelter, City of Palo Alto Animal Services, Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority, City of San Jose Animal Care and Services and Town Cats. For information, visit www.sheltersfirst.org.

AROUND THE STATE

Sacramento wildlife refuges: Visit several wildlife refuges in the Sacramento Valley that are homes to thousands of wintering ducks, geese and swans. Featured on this trip (Dec. 8-9) is visits to Sacramento National Wildlife refuge on Saturday, followed by Colusa National Wildlife Refuge and Gray lodge Wildlife Area on Sunday. Space is limited and carpooling is essential. Participants may opt to arrive on Friday night for the 7 a.m. start time on Saturday. 916-705-8991, tlcgdc@aol.com.

Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival: Join Morro Coast Audubon Society for its 17th Winter Bird Festival, Jan. 18-21. The area is recognized for its diversity of both resident and wintering birds and at last years festival over 200 species of birds were identified. Registration ends Jan. 6. www.morrobaybirdfestival.org.

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Guided Wetlands Tours: A wildlife naturalist will lead a group (minimum of 18 people) through the diverse wetlands of the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. Learn wildlife identification and behavior patterns, conservations efforts and more. The experience can be customized to include requested information, along a half-mile walking route. For information and scheduling, call 530-846-7505 or email ldieter@dfg.ca.gov. www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/wa/region2/graylodge/index.html.

Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve docent-led walks: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Binoculars and bird books available to borrow at no cost. Visitor Center and main overlook are fully accessible. Day use is $4.32 per person, ages 16 and older. Groups of 10 or more should schedule a separate tour. www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/er/region4/elkhorn.html.